North Idaho Emergency Services Academy

Objectives Types of fire service laddersTypes of fire service ladders Ladder termsLadder terms Ladder raising proceduresLadder raising procedures Roof ladder operationsRoof ladder operations

Slide 12

SINGLE LADDERS Are nonadjustable Have only one section Are sometimes called wall ladders Are used for quick access to windows and roofs of one- and two- story buildings May be truss construction TS 9–2

ROOF LADDERS Are equipped at tip with folding hooks for anchoring ladder to roof ridge Are used to distribute firefighter’s weight during roof work and to prevent slipping May also be used as single wall ladders TS 9–3

EXTENSION LADDERS Are adjustable in length Indicated length on ladder equals the length of side rails when fully extended Are used to provide access to windows and roofs within their length limits TS 9–5

GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING & LOWERING LADDERS Have adequate personnel for the task. Lift properly: –Bend the knees. –Keep your back as straight as possible. –Lift with your legs, not with your back or arms. When two or more firefighters are lifting a ladder, lift on command of firefighter at rear who can see the whole operation. TS 9–16a

GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING & LOWERING LADDERS Reverse the lifting procedure when it is necessary to place a ladder on the ground before raising it. –Lower the ladder with the leg muscles. –Keep your body and feet parallel to the ladder to avoid toe injury. TS 9–16b

CORRECT LADDER PLACEMENT Ventilation or climbing into or out of narrow windows — To windward side of window with tip about even with window top Window rescue — Tip even with or slightly below sill, or inside window opening with two or three rungs above sill if window is wide enough Directing streams or supporting a smoke fan — Directly in front of window with tip on wall above window TS 9–20

Accessing roof — Top five rungs above roof edge CORRECT LADDER PLACEMENT

CLIMBING ANGLE Approximately 75 degrees Climber can stand upright and reach the rungs at arm ’ s length Distance of butt from wall equals used length of ladder divided by four Inclination marking on outside beam perfectly horizontal and vertical TS 9–21

GENERAL RAISING PROCEDURES Survey for electrical hazards. Transition from carry to raise. Position extension ladder fly section out. Tie the halyard. –Clove hitch around two convenient rungs –Overhand safety knot Secure and heel. TS 9–22

GENERAL RAISING PROCEDURES Survey for electrical hazards. Transition from carry to raise. Position extension ladder fly section out. Tie the halyard. –Clove hitch around two convenient rungs –Overhand safety knot Secure and heel. TS 9–22

GENERAL RAISING PROCEDURES Survey for electrical hazards. Transition from carry to raise. Position extension ladder fly section out. Tie the halyard. –Clove hitch around two convenient rungs –Overhand safety knot Secure and heel. TS 9–22

LADDER MAINTENANCE Keep ground ladders free of moisture. Do not store or rest ladders in a position where they are subjected to exhaust or engine heat. Do not store ladders in any area where they are exposed to the elements. Do not paint ladders except for the top and bottom 12 inches (300 mm) of the beams for purposes of identification or visibility. TS 9–9

CLEANING LADDERS Clean ladders after every use and before inspecting. Use a soft-bristle brush and running water for cleaning. Wipe the ladder dry, checking for defects. TS 9–10

GENERAL LADDER MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION, AND REPAIR Two methods of determining whether metal ladders have been exposed to high temperatures: –Water boils when sprayed on the ladder –Heat indicator label has changed color Only trained fire service personnel or an approved testing organization should service test fire service ground ladders. TS 9–11c

Questions!